On March 22, 1996 I was diagnosed with Stage III, High Risk, Inflammatory Breast Cancer. My doctor told us that I would probably live until Christmas. I decided that I would not give up. I had too much to live for!

For years, I smiled for the cameras and hid how I felt. I did what too many women do -- wrote off my period pain as just part of being a woman. I thought I knew everything about being a female until I realized what I thought were regular monthly cramps, weren’t regular at all.

Super dynamo, singing sensation Patti LaBelle went into menopause 10 years ago. . .now 56, with a new CD, a national concert tour, a new book, and a new television show all within one year, she’s thrown the phrase “Finished At Fifty” out the window!

Three-time breast cancer survivor Judy Pickett, currently undergoing chemotherapy, is more than halfway to her goal of running 100 cancer benefit races throughout the country to show that women with breast cancer can lead a full and active life.

Obesity is a national epidemic. More than 97 million Americans -- that is 55 percent of the U.S. population -- are overweight. I know first-hand that battling weight can be a depressing and frustrating experience since most diets produce only temporary results.

I believe many other people with OA of the knee can benefit from Synvisc to maintain their active lifestyles. I encourage anyone with knee pain to see a knee specialist, and ask him or her about Synvisc.

“I’m going to be a rock star!” That was my dream in January of 2000, when I quit my day job to pursue fulltime my one true passion, music. My band was doing great and I could not have been happier. One week later, I saw blood. Immediately, I called my gynecologist.

Post-Traumatic stress disorder can happen to anyone who goes through a traumatic event. It could be a physical or sexual assault, a natural disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake, a serious accident or even the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one.

Using clothing as a means towards individual empowerment and healing, Shop Well with You is a wellness program that gives each woman the tools to boost morale and self-confidence which may have been affected due to the changes to her body as a result of cancer and its treatments.

Supermodel Christy Turlington has graced the cover of so many magazines,her face has become almost synonymous with beauty and fashion. In a presentation adapted from a speech she gave to the Society for Women's Health Research, Christy speaks, not as a famous model, but as a super role model for women everywhere. Christy is a spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) advocating smoke-free healthy lifestyles.

The first and most important thought I would like to express to you is that every single day is important and worth living like it is your last. If there are any gifts from cancer (and there are several), it is the ability to focus on and prioritize what is most important to you.

Cancer is a disease that touches everyone. More than one million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year, making the odds of cancer striking close to home pretty likely. No doubt you, a family member, or someone you know has been affected by cancer.

Leslie Nuchow began Virginia SLAM! as a counter movement against the Virginia Slims’ record label, Woman Thing Music. Virginia SLAM! produced two SLAM! concerts in 1997 and 1998, featuring the Indigo Girls and Shawn Mullins that focused on keeping the tobacco industry out of music.

Developing Vulvodynia has been life-altering. Being an outspoken voice in the community seems like second nature to me. This disease robs us of any normalcy that others have. My goal is to bring awareness about this disease to every woman.

All medical conditions, including wellness, can be discussed in terms of five primary areas: prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. In this article, we discuss five general questions that all women in their 40’s should discuss with their physicians, one in each of these areas.

I've been suffering from bouts of abdominal cramps and diarrhea for as long as I can remember, but recently my symptoms have gotten much worse. Now it seems as though every time I have the urge to go I can barely make it to the toilet in time, and I'm almost afraid to leave the house for fear of being too far from the bathroom.

Last month I strained by lower back and abdomen while moving a heavy box, and the pain and tenderness around my navel haven't gone away since. My husband thinks it's a hernia, but isn't that a male health problem?

I recently had someone tell me that they saw a special on TV that said sometimes abdominal muscles can separate, and not heal. How do I find out more about this? How do I find out if this is what's happened to me?

Most of us have had some kind of stomach or side pain; it’s usually a stitch or a cramp and passes with time and rest. But how do you know if it’s something more serious—or even something that should be evaluated in the emergency room?

I'm 35 years old, and have been taking birth control pills since I was about 16. I haven't had a period for about 3 months now, and I'm concerned. My gynecologist just laughed at me and told me this is very common, and not to worry. Should I be concerned?

High heels are my favorite fashion accessory but after we got our first snowstorm last week I had to switch to flats for safety’s sake. Now my feet are killing me! I keep getting these sharp pains that shoot up the backs of my heels. Why does it hurt when I wear my sensible shoes and boots?

A few weeks ago I started walking before work. It was going pretty well, until the back of my ankle just above my right heel started hurting. I already gave up walking, but it still hurts. What should I do

As a teenager I suffered from severe acne, and while I haven't had a breakout in years, I still have quite a few scars along my cheeks and forehead. They make me just as self-conscious as the actual acne. I know it's holding me back from being more outgoing with coworkers and friends. Is there help for me?

An estimated 10 million or more Americans have osteoporosis. This condition is defined as low bone mass accompanied by structural deterioration of bone,leading to weakened bones and the increased risk of spine, hip, and wrist fractures.

Do you know of any research on the impact of alcohol consumption on a breastfed baby? I am wondering if light consumption (1/2 glass of wine 2-3 times per week) is okay. I did drink small amounts infrequently when breastfeeding my first two children but am feeling guilty about it this time.

All My Children soap-star, Alicia Minshew has been naturally thin all her life. She is one of the many people out there who struggles to gain weight, rather than lose it. Alicia’s killer body, luscious hair, radiant skin, and youthful spirit are the fruits of living a healthy lifestyle.

Americans now make more than 600 million visits to alternative practitioners per year, almost double the number of visits per year to family physicians source: Prevention, 7/99; p. 49). And while 4 out of 10 Americans say they have tried some form of alternative medicine, 7 out of 10 who do, have not shared this information with their physicians.

I suffer from painful hemorrhoids and I’ve been using laxatives for about six months to prevent straining during bowel movements. Trouble is, now I think I might be addicted to them. Whenever I stop taking the laxatives I get extremely constipated. Is there any way to break free of these pills and stay regular?

There's an old saying that "a stitch in time saves nine." When it comes to promoting the Quilt of Dreams campaign for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,singer Amy Grant knows that a stitch in time may actually save lives.

I've been taking medication for the past three years to help with my depression, and I've gained a lot of weight because of it. I really want to do something natural instead so I don't have to take the pills anymore. What can I do?

Anxiety disorders are at least twice as common in women as they are in men. There are five kinds: social phobias, specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine (1/18/01) disputes the widely held notion that managed care has reduced the amount of time doctors spend with their patients. If anything, according to this study, office visits may be getting longer!

Many people who take St. John’s Wort are not aware that it has side effects, just like any other medication. An important summer warning: If you take St. John’s wort, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. St. John's wort may increase the sensitivity of your skin to the sun.

Arthritis is common in women mostly because of the hormones, which probably have an influence on the immune system. The female hormones might be influencing the immune system and cause arthritis in women.

I’m asthmatic, and whenever I take aspirin to relieve a headache or muscle pain, I wind up congested and sometimes even gasping for air. Why is aspirin triggering my asthma attacks, and is there anything else I can safely take for pain?

Are we doing too good a job at protecting our children from germs? The “hygiene theory” proposes that allergies and asthma are increasing, in part, because children’s immune systems are not being properly primed through early exposure to infections.

I’ve developed these itchy red patches above my eyebrows. The skin looks dry and scaly, but it actually feels a little greasy, and it’s impossible to cover up with makeup. Is there any way to clear it up fast?

While Audrey Hepburn won her first Academy Award for Roman Holiday at age 24 and starred in such screen classics as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Funny Face and Sabrina, her most important roles were as a mother and a tireless advocate for the world’s children.

When people talk about "bad body odor," the source is usually the mouth, underarms, genital area, or feet. Sweat itself is odorless, but a bad "sweaty smell" can develop after sweat reacts with bacteria on skin.

During a recent business trip, I stayed in a swanky hotel and I seem to have had some sort of allergic reaction to something in the room. I’ve been home for a week now and what started as a rash on my stomach that looked like a line of small red welts has grown into a half-dozen ugly patches that itch like crazy! What’s going on?

there’s no bigger moment in all of pro football than playing in the Super Bowl. But Boomer Esiason would gladly give up his NFL legacy if he could emerge victorious over a far greater adversary – cystic fibrosis.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death among American women. Women are justifiably afraid of this disease, even though great strides have been made in breast cancer research, early detection and treatment.

October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death among American women. . .it will cause more than 40,000 deaths this year alone.

I'm pregnant with my first child and after doing some research I've decided that breastfeeding is what's best for my baby. But there's a problem: I have inverted nipples. My doctor says that breastfeeding is still possible -- is there anything I can do to improve my odds?

I have recently noticed several bumps on my cervix. I was told that it is normal to have bumps on your cervix and that the cervix is not smooth like we believe it is. Is this true or do I need to be concerned?

Women have heard for years that adequate calcium intake--from food or supplements--protects bones and delays osteoporosis. Recent research shows that calcium's value extends to many other functions as well.

A recent study (presented at the Society for Gynecologic Oncologists annual meeting 3/6/01) suggests that aspirin use three or more times per week for at least six months may actually decrease the risk of the most common form of ovarian cancer by 40%!

The best weapon against breast cancer remains early detection. All women over 18 should perform monthly breast self exams, have annual breast exams by their health care provider, and have annual mammograms at age 40.

The best weapon against breast cancer remains early detection. All women over 18 should perform monthly breast self exams, have annual breast exams by their health care provider, and have annual mammograms at age 40.

A "survival rate" is simply the percentage of people who live a certain period of time. Accordingly, the "5-year survival rate" refers to the percent of patients with any particular cancer who liveat least 5 years after their diagnosis.

We have more good news about cancer: a recent report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (6/01) shows that rates for cancer cases and deaths in general DECREASED in the 1990s. The overall decrease was 1.1% per year from 1992 to 1998...and was led by reduced rates for prostate cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer.

For six months I've been having a problem with recurring mouth ulcers. Every two to three weeks, small sores pop up on my lips and inside my mouth on my cheeks and gums. They're not pretty, but even worse, they hurt and sometimes it's hard to eat. How can I make them go away?

“I hated having zits so I thought this would be a great help to teenagers to show them that acne is normal and everyone gets it,” says Carmen Rasmusen of 'American Idol' fame, “I want to explain to teens that going to a dermatologist is not scary and there’s a way to cure zits.”

Carnie Wilson’s success in keeping her resolutions of eating less, consuming healthy foods, and exercising regularly, follow a careful and psychologically sound pattern, say experts. And it’s a blueprint that anyone can follow, whether or not they have the impetus of medical necessity behind it.

This access to the private lives of celebrities who face constant scrutiny and challenges unimaginable by most people- is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it exposes us to the waking nightmare that losing control of one's life can be, but on the other hand, it has opened dialogue about addiction and mental illness that has, until now, been hush-hush.

Many women don’t know what the Pap smear– a test most have gotten every year since they turned 18 or so – is designed to do, or whether there is anything else they should be doing to prevent cervical cancer.

Since puberty, I've had very predictable PMS symptoms -- a headache on the same day every month. I'd take a few Advil and the pain was gone. But now at age 32, my PMS profile has suddenly changed: no more headaches. Now I get painfully sore breasts and Advil doesn't help. Why the change, and how should I treat the pain?

Over the past few months I've noticed several bright red blister-like growths popping up on my chest and midsection. They don't hurt or itch, but I'm still a little anxious. Is it just a rash, or could these bumps be a sign of something serious?

More than half of all Americans have cholesterol levels that exceed the recommended total; one in five Americans have cholesterol levels that are considered “high”. Dr. Donnica addresses what we really need to know about cholesterol and what we should do if our numbers are too high.

Different women need different things from an Ob-gyn, and most women's needs change throughout their lives. Use Dr. Donnica's Decisionnaire to help you determine how to choose the most appropriate gynecologist for you.

Christina Aguilera sells millions of CDs combining her astounding vocal talent with provocative fashion and music. As a spokesperson for the MAC AIDS Fund, Aguilera hopes she commands even more attention with her message of awareness.

Six months ago I had my gallbladder removed and ever since then everything I eat goes right through me. Sometimes it travels so fast I can't make it to the bathroom in time! As if that isn't embarrassing enough, I also have uncontrollable flatulence. What do you suggest?

Two weeks ago I began experiencing nausea, fever and severe pain in my upper abdomen, plus I was so bloated that I looked five months pregnant. I finally went to the hospital where I was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. The doctor recommended an OTC painkiller, but it does nothing to ease the bloat. Is there anything else I can do to feel better?

About a month ago, I cut my finger while chopping veggies and wound up with a few stitches. My doctor removed them a week later, but since then the cut has reopened and doesn't seem to want to heal. I've kept it clean with saline and water and covered it with surgical tape, but it looks worse than ever.

Clay Aiken became a national sensation on the hit show American Idol. But while music may be his bread and butter for now, Aiken’s real passion is giving a voice to children with developmental disabilities.

The other day I noticed that my right ankle kept clicking every time I took a step. This has happened before and it just went away, and even though it doesn’t hurt, I’m worried it could be a sign of a serious joint problem like arthritis. Am I overreacting?

I've suffered from the occasional canker sore for as long as I can remember. But a few months ago one popped up, and just as soon as it went away another one appeared. Now it seems like I can't go for more than a few days without an ugly sore forming on my lip. It's getting so I'm embarrassed to show my face. What should I do?

Jay Monahan and Ethel Blum are not household names, but the superstars championing their memory are: Katie Couric and Judge Judy both have lost loved ones to colon cancer. Thanks to their efforts, the screening tests which could save your life have become well known: sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. But what’s the difference?

Actress Constance Marie has a lot for which to be thankful. But while she’s starring on both The George Lopez Show on ABC and American Family on PBS, she won’t be giving thanks for her success with a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

I'm 50 years old and perimenopausal, so my doctor suggested taking a daily OTC calcium and magnesium supplement to help protect my bones from osteoporosis. I've been following his advice for a few months, but now I'm constantly and painfully constipated. How can I help my bones without this annoying side effect?

There are many causes of dark circles under your eyes. The good news is that while they are cosmetically undesirable, they are generally medically harmless and don't necessarily indicate any serious medical problems.

As Miss Driver in Kill Bill Daryl Hannah plays an amoral villain with no compassion for her victims. Now the Blade Runner alum is helping track down a similar foe -- America’s #1 serial killer of women – heart disease.

I have secretly suffered for many many years, always on the defensive, blaming everyone else for upsetting me. I am usually a very gentle, caring, quiet person until literally the day before my period.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the most serious forms of arthritis and is a chronic lifetime disease that over time has the potential to damage and/or deform joints, produce major disability and even cause death.

Despite many changes in birth control pill formulations over the past 40 years, certain “myths” about the Pill and its possible side effects still persist. One of those myths—that the Pill causes your face to break out--has not only been disproven, but has been shown to REDUCE acne!

Nearly 17 million women in the US rely on birth control pills for reliable contraception and other medical benefits. But I wonder how many others would benefit from the Pill if it weren’t for several myths in circulation.

The good news about breast cancer awareness month is that, more women are doing breast self exam, finding small lumps, getting mammograms, and are diagnosed with cancers small enough to be cured. The bad news is....

The good news about breast cancer awareness month is that more women are doing breast self exam, finding small lumps, getting mammograms, and are diagnosed with cancers small enough to be cured. The bad news is...

Fibroids are common benign tumors of the uterus in one out of 5 women ages 18-50 Despite the fact that they are so common, there is not a lot of common knowledge circulating about fibroids. . .yet there are several common myths.

"I'd like women - and men - to know that we can all look and feel better, and that starts by recognizing the great progress that's possible and discarding crazy claims which sound great but leave us ending up looking and feeling no better, or even worse, than before," Austin explains.

Dennis Quaid calls his new movie, The Day After Tomorrow, “the ultimate disaster movie ever made.” But Quaid wasn’t worried about the Memorial Day weekend’s opening box office. A far more important problem concerns the leading man – the health of the world’s children.

The incidence of brain diseases is increasing -- especially when we discuss Alzheimer’s. But one of the most shocking things...is that the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children is brain tumors.

In Type 1 or juvenile diabetes, the body no longer has enough insulin to convert sugar into energy. To survive, people with type 1 diabetes must take multiple insulin injections daily and monitor their blood sugars closely, several times a day.

In Type 1 or juvenile diabetes, the body no longer has enough insulin to convert sugar into energy. To survive, people with type 1 diabetes must take multiple insulin injections daily and monitor their blood sugars closely, several times a day.

Type II diabetes has a different cause than Type I: patients with type 2 diabetes do not respond properly to insulin, the hormone that normally allows the body to change blood sugar into energy or store it for later use.

Type II diabetes has a different cause than Type I: patients with type 2 diabetes do not respond properly to insulin, the hormone that normally allows the body to change blood sugar into energy or store it for later use.

The great jazz singer Diane Schuur’s upcoming CD Midnight is a complex, stunning arrangement of 13 well-crafted songs. Even more complex is the disease, retinopathy of prematurity, which robbed Schuur of her sight as an infant.

I've been on a diet for about six months, and the good news is I've lost 15 pounds. But the bad news is I'm also losing my hair! Could I be missing some nutrient that's making me go bald, and can I ever get my hair back?

Dizziness is fairly common and has many possible causes. It may be called lightheadedness, feeling faint, being unsteady, losing balance, or feeling that you or the space around you is spinning (vertigo).

A new study published this week in the prestigious medical journal, the Journal of the American Medical Association (10/11/00) evaluated whether there was any increased risk of breast cancer in women who have a strong family history of breast cancer already.

The diagnosis of CFS is based upon having four or more of the following symptoms in addition to the first one (which is required for the diagnosis), and having no other medical problems to explain these symptoms.

One of the most confusing issues in managing your own medical care is when to get a second opinion and who you should see. Some people feel uncomfortable about asking for second opinions, worried that this will offend the first practitioner.

Most drivers know how often to have their cars’ oil changed, the tires rotated, and their inspections done. But do you know how often you should have your blood pressure checked, your cholesterol measured, or your Pap smear done?

“Less than 1% of our national budget is spent on medical and health research. Recent surveys conducted by Research!America show that Americans show very strong support for changing this fact, and making medical and health research a much higher national priority.”

“While no magazine columnist can take the place of a woman’s private consultation with her own physician, my hope is that this column can give women useful information to encourage them to see their own physicians when necessary,” said Dr. Donnica.

Dr. Donnica Moore, President of Sapphire Women’s Health Group and host of DrDonnica.com will reappear on ABC’s “The View” Friday, June 1, 2007 to discuss the important topic “New Products in Women’s Health”. Products to be covered include the new “no period” contraceptive pill, Lybrel™; the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil™; and a new product being marketed to treat menopausal symptoms.

The cover story of this month’s Advance for Health Information Executives announced their selection of “The Most Influential Forces in Health Care Information Technology”. Dr. Donnica Moore, founder and President of DrDonnica.com was one of only 15 individuals selected for this honor.

For the first time, a nationally syndicated radio program will address women’s health concerns; a review of issues, symptoms and situations to help your listeners stay in touch with the latest medical information and news.

Of the 2 billion prescriptions filled each year, about half are taken improperly! In light of this shocking finding, the American Heart Association has identified noncompliance as a national hidden health threat.

Dustin Hoffman’s roles in Kramer vs. Kramer, Tootsie and Rain Man, challenged our perceptions of what it is to be a parent, a man and a brother. Now Hoffman is using that same sense of humanity to appeal to California voters to support stem cell research.

The tragic loss of NBC correspondent David Bloom in Iraq put three deadly letters in the health headlines – DVT. They stand for deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot that can form in the major veins of the legs or pelvis due to prolonged periods of physical immobility.

For the past couple of months, my right ear has been feeling clogged. I keep thinking that if I could just pop it, I’d get some relief. I’ll try to yawn and open my mouth as wide as I can, but it doesn’t help and actually makes the whole right side of my jaw feel sore. My doctor says I don’t have an ear infection, so what could it be?

Children and teens with CFS have many of the same issues as other children with chronic illnesses, confounded by the fact that they have an illness which is poorly understood, often misunderstood, and too often misdiagnosed.

When I moved out of my parents' house last year, I left an empty nest. Since then, I've noticed on my visits home that my mother is getting thinner and thinner. She insists it's just my imagination, but Dad told me that she has started a new early-morning exercise routine and her appetite isn't what it used to be. Is it possible that my 48-year-old mother could have anorexia?

For millions of women who would like to become mothers, the best Mothers’ Day present of all would have been a positive pregnancy test. In their efforts to conceive, these women and their partners have heard about every possible intervention. What really works?

A new study from the University of California-Irvine [Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4/01] shows that the use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), with or without progestins, in women diagnosed with endometrial cancer does not appear to increase their risk of recurring cancer or death.

I have a question which might sound silly. I don't want to go to the doctor about it because it sounds ridiculous. Have you ever known of anyone yawning excessively? Is this something I should be concerned about or not?

After having my second child, I decided it was time to do something about the 30 pounds of baby fat I'm still toting around. So I signed up for step aerobics classes at the local gym, but after just two classes I had to stop. Both times, jumping up and down off of the step caused urinary leakage!

Last week was my family’s annual trip to the beach, and for the first few days after we got back, my right ear felt really clogged and sounds were sort of muffled.I figured I just had water in my ear and it would drain on its own. But then the inside started itching, and now it really hurts, plus my hearing seems to be getting worse. What’s going on?

I've had a problem with extreme scalp odor for years. At first, I blamed it on the chemicals in my hair products but expensive and all-natural specialty products haven't helped a bit. Even prescription anti-fungal shampoos have zero affect. Now it's so noticeable that I'm too embarrassed to leave my house. What else can I do?

My upper eyelashes have been falling out a lot lately, and then growing back uneven and sparse. It's mostly in the middle of my eyelid, right where it's most noticeable, and no amount of mascara or curling makes my lashes look any better. My eye doctor is stumped, and I'm worried I'll wind up without any lashes at all. Is there anything I can do?

Did you resolve to stop smoking this year? Did you make it through the tough part--the first few days? If you did, hang in there and keep on going--abstaining for the first few days is the toughest, but each day it will get easier.

The HPV DNA test (also called “The HPV Test” or the “DNA with Pap”) uses advanced, molecular technology to determine whether any one of the HPV virus types that cause cervical cancer is present in the cervical cells.

Menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual bleeding, is defined as blood loss of more than 80mL during a menstrual cycle. This translates into bleeding for more than seven days or needing to use more than 10 pads or tampons per day during the menstrual cycle.

Osteoporosis, or “porous bone”, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures of the hip, spine and wrist.

PMDD is characterized by severe monthly mood swings and physical symptoms that interfere with everyday life, especially a woman’s relationships with her family and friends. PMDD symptoms go far beyond what are considered normal or manageable premenstrual symptoms.

St. John’s wort is an herbal preparation most commonly used for the treatment of mild depression or simply as a mood elevator. Many people who take St. John’s Wort are not aware that it has side effects just like any other medication.

I’ve always had a thick, shiny head of hair, but recently I’ve noticed clumps of it coming out when I brush. I usually blow-dry in the morning, but I don’t use dyes or any harsh chemicals. It’s hard to believe that hot air could be causing this much damage. Could it be something more serious?

Also known as natural family planning or periodic abstinence, fertility awareness entails not having sexual intercourse on the days of a woman's menstrual cycle when she is more likely to become pregnant, or using a barrier method of birth control on those days.

The average doctor visit is only 7.5 minutes. Whatever you do to improve communication with your doctor will make better use of that time and improve your health care. What specific should you ask your doctor?

Vaccines can prevent infection in 7 to 9 out of 10 healthy people less than 65 years old and in one out of 3 nursing home residents. Yet only about one in 3 people under 65 and two out of 3 people over age 65 currently get vaccinated.

“I think we need to be realistic about the state of America’s health,” says David Satcher. “In some areas, we have made substantial, exciting breakthroughs. In others, we still have great improvements to make.

Recently I've been experiencing pretty frequent dizzy spells, sometimes as often as once a day. They hit just after I stand up from a chair, and usually it's after a full day of running errands and feeling fine. I don't understand: I eat well and exercise regularly. What could be wrong?

My husband always teases me for having “tiny bladder syndrome,” and I’ll admit I go to the bathroom more than most people. But it hasn’t been a real problem until recently. Now I can’t even sit through an entire movie without making at least one trip to the ladies’ room! Whenever I go out, I’m constantly keeping an eye out for the nearest toilet just in case. What’s wrong with me?

A recent study published in a prominent headache journal [Cephalgia, 2001; 21: 230-235] showed that women who had at least one migraine in the past year were twice as likely to get a frozen headache after drinking cold water through a straw...compared to women who had never had a migraine.

I have been on the pill for 3 months to treat ovarian cysts, and I've since gained seven pounds. I don't want to take any diuretics because I hear they can deplete potassium. Is there anything I can do to safely get rid of my water weight?

Several months ago I noticed a lump on the joint between my ankle and the top of my foot that's about the size of a quarter and jelly-like in consistency. It's painless and doesn't seem to be growing, but I'm scared it's a tumor or something really serious. Can you help?

In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro made history as the first woman vice-presidential candidate. What history could not have foretold was that 14 years later Ferraro was going to run the race of her life against a deadly disease.

I am entering menopause quite early as my mother did, at 38 years old. There are extreme hormonal changes going on with me. My doctor has put me on the pill but I am still emotionally out of control and nearly suicidal at times. Can you give me any help at all?

I just read your article on PMS and PMDD, and I am very concerned. You make it sound so simple to get help, when in reality it is very difficult. There is no help. No one understands! Please help me! Don't offer medicine. I don't have time or the money to go through trial and error until I find one that doesn't make me sick. What are my options?

Though people donate blood less often during the summer months, the demand for blood actually increases during the summer. . .particularly during holiday weekends when traffic and other accidents are at a high.

The easiest way to give during the holidays is charitable giving to organizations that provide food and shelter for those without. But have you ever given blood? Our blood supply is in greatest demand during holidays.

The appearance may range from a thickened, velvety brown streaking to a leathery lesion, most often on the neck or in skin folds under the arm or breasts, around the belt line or in the groin, but it may develop elsewhere.

A few months ago I noticed that my left middle toe started looking bent and now it's starting to cause me quite a bit of pain. Because it's so buckled, it's hard to put on shoes without them rubbing against my toe and causing even more discomfort. What's going on and what can I do?

Tonight heralds Chanukah, the 8-day Jewish festival of lights. Because that light came from oil, celebrating Hanukah includes eating foods fried in oil. This year choose an oil low in cholesterol and saturated fats.

When was the last time your mother had a general check-up? Many women neglect their annual Pap smears and pelvic exams after they’ve finished having children or gone through “the change”; is your mom one of them?

As I reflect on all that I am thankful for today, I have to include the progress made in women’s health research and development in the past year alone. We now have medicines available that were only pipe dreams a decade ago.

I had a miscarriage 2 weeks ago. Ever since then sometime throughout the day I get a headache with a dizzy feeling. Is this something I should be concerned about or is my body just going through changes because of the miscarriage?

Since stress is high on the list of headache causes and migraine triggers, stress management techniques are high on the list of headache prevention strategies. These include massage, meditation, biofeedback, and having a positive attitude.

This year try a different approach to New Year's resolutions. Try writing 10 healthy resolutions that you can and will achieve; write resolutions that are not only specific and achievable, but which you can view as GIFTS to yourself. . .and to your family.

The only articles I ever see in magazines regarding weight is how to lose. How can I put weight on?!! I'm 5'6' and weigh 118lbs. I know that is acceptable, but I look very thin. Is there a healthy way to put pounds on while maintaining a healthy diet???

I've given birth to two healthy children, my first when I was 23 and the second at age 31. I hemorrhaged after both deliveries. My doctor blamed it on a fibroid and told me I have nothing to worry about. But for the past year, my periods have been extremely heavy and sometimes they contain several clots. Could this be due to the fibroids?

I have a friend who told me that she will not get a mammogram because she has no insurance. I worry about her because she told me that she felt a lump on her one breast. I told her that she needs to get a mammogram. I know every once in awhile there are free screenings. Can you tell me where I can direct her?

For nearly a year, my lips have been painfully chapped and cracked, and the corners are so dry that the skin is peeling and revealing raw, tender skin. I feel totally dependent on chapstick. Is there anything else I can do?

I am 33 years old. I have developed a heart condition from taking fen-phen, but still need to lose weight. I am looking for some type of teaching center that would perform the lap-band surgery on me. I need to lose weight so bad, but cannot take any more diet pills.

Recently I had my blood pressure checked at one of those mall kiosks and the nurse told me it was high, which increases my risk of heart attack. Since then I keep hearing about the benefits of taking an aspirin every day to prevent heart attacks, but I'm allergic to aspirin! I'm really nervous, especially because heart disease runs in my family. Is there something else I can take to protect my heart?

Last spring, I went to bed one night with perfectly good hearing, and woke up the next morning with a loud annoying buzz in my ears. My doctor conducted a hearing test and told me I have high frequency hearing loss. Can that really happen overnight, and is there anything I can do to stop it?

There are now three hormonal, long-term, reversible contraception methods: hormone implants (Norplant) and hormone injections (Depo-Provera or Lunelle). They're all highly effective, but they can cause side effects some women find unacceptable.

For many menopausal women, hormone replacement therapy is a great solution to a number of bothersome menopausal symptoms. However, some women experience side effects, which are sometimes as annoying as the symptoms the medicine was meant to treat. What should women do?

I am beginning to experience night sweats and hot flashes, nothing too terrible, though annoying for sure. I just wondered if, with all the heat my body is generating, there might be any calorie burn associated with thehot flashes.

One of the most difficult decisions for menopausal women is to decide whether or not hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is for them. To help you decide, check off all of the descriptions that apply to you, and take this with you when you visit your physician.

Numerous factors, such as medical history and behavioral and environmental health risks, can play a part in reproductive health for both women and men. Fertility specialist, Dr. David Adamson, talks about infertility and its causes and offers advice on choosing a doctor.

HPV infection is rampant among college students and usually those infected have no symptoms. More importantly, HPV has been well established as the most important causative factor of cervical cancer, as well as penile and anal cancer.

A recent review of the literature sponsored by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality may clear up some of the confusion about the impact that hormone replacement therapy may have on improving mental function in postmenopausal women.

I've been recently diagnosed with cervical dysplasia and was told after asking, that I have HPV. My son's FORMER girlfriend has the same diagnosis. Do my husband and son need to be tested? My son is concerned about infecting a future partner? We are confused!

For the last six months or so I've been experiencing excessive sweating in my feet (hyperhydrosis, or so they tell me!). One doctor told me it's due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system. Is there anything I can do to regulate that?

I am 28. About 8 months ago I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. This week I was diagnosed with PMDD as well. Please help me to understand the likelihood of suffering both disorders, or tell me if a second opinion is warranted.

Before you enter a clinical trial, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your physician. Dr. Donnica provides a list of questions to ask your doctor if you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial.

The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (National DMDA) learned in a new survey that consistent and open communication about treatment for depression and antidepressant side effects does not occur often enough -- or thoroughly enough -- between patients and their primary care doctors.

Age-related changes in the large intestine, along with increased use of medications and reduced physical activity, tend to slow the transit of stool through the large intestine causing an increased incidence of flatulence (gassiness) as well as constipation.

Each decision to induce labor is based upon the balance between the risks if the baby stays inside the mother versus those if the baby is born, to both the mother and her child. When is it appropriate to induce labor?

Dr. David Adamson, a nationally known infertility specialist and Medical Director at Fertility Physicians of Northern California (FPNC), is currently a featured expert on DrDonnica.com, the new women’s health web site launched by Dr. Donnica Moore.

I have been getting urinary tract infections since I was 17 years old. I am now 22 and I get them at a rate of about 6 a year, sometimes more. Could you give me any more information on this topic that I could relay back to my doctors?

The greatest barrier to more widespread IUD use is the lack of familiarity of the product among women and physicians alike. In well-selected patients, IUDs provide reliable contraception for up to 10 years with minimal side effects and complications.

I have been having irregular periods for the past 4 years. They say I am too young to be going through menopause (29). When they started me on the birth control pills, they mentioned that if the pills didn't work that the only other option was having a hysterectomy. If they can't find anything wrong why would they mention a hysterectomy? Where does this leave me!

Up to 20 percent of all U.S. adults are affected by IBS, (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which involves an abnormality of the muscular action that passes food along the colon, as well as an increased sensitivity of the nerves in the colon.

Menopausal hot flashes have become the news flashes of this decade. Now that the Baby Boomers are entering menopause at a rate of 4,000 per day, hot flashes are a popular topic of conversation. But what are they, really?

Menopausal hot flashes have become the news flashes of this decade. Now that the Baby Boomers are entering menopause at a rate of 4,000 per day, hot flashes are a popular topic of conversation. But what are they, really?

National statistics show that African American women have a much lower incidence of ovarian cancer than white or Hispanic women, but they have much higher death rates from ovarian cancer than either of these two groups.

Caffeine has been blamed for a host of medical problems, but a big mystery has been whether healthy pregnant women really needed to go cold turkey from their morning cup of coffee. Is there a link between caffeine and miscarriages?

Are you confused about hormones and breast cancer? While the relationship between estrogen and breast cancer is not crystal clear, doctors generally agree that estrogen does not cause breast cancer, although it may cause an existing cancer to grow.

After her roles in the Halloween movies, teens might be used to Jamie Lee Curtis trying to scare them. But the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress has a gentler, more compassionate approach when it comes to helping teens in crisis, especially those dealing with alcohol problems.

January is Mental Wellness Month--a time to focus on our own mental wellness, those with mental illness, and the care-givers of those with mental illness. Emmy-award winning actress Linda Dano describes her experience caring for her late father, who had Alzheimer’s.

Jared is an unlikely addition to the pantheon of single-name celebrities like Madonna, Cher and Sting. But the now-famous Subway spokesman is using his fame to help kids avoid the pain and anguish of obesity that he endured growing up.

Losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease is never easy. But for former Designing Women actress Jean Smart the loss of her father last year to the devastating neurological disease was particularly painful.

As the #1 ranked female pool player in the world from 1994-1996, Jeanette Lee can make a pool ball slam, bend, spin, and curve magically into pockets. But another kind of curve nearly scratched her career – scoliosis, often called curvature of the spine.

Vascular diseases are life-threatening, potential killers that can strike anyone at any age at any time. As they age, women become particularly vulnerable to vascular illnesses. In fact, one in two women over age 55 dies from vascular illness - one in two!

“I think the most important thing we need to do right now is raise awareness about tuberous sclerosis,” says Julianne Moore, who starred in the hit sequel Hannibal. “It’s a genetic disorder and it’s more common than people might realize. The hope is that it can be identified and treated earlier rather than later.”

As co-anchor of Today, Katie Couric keeps America informed every morning. Since colorectal cancer claimed the life of her husband, Jay Monahan, Couric has dedicated her life to making sure people stay informed about this very preventable cancer.

I'm 27 years old. I have been having pain in my back on my right side. About two weeks ago, it got so bad I had to go to the hospital and they said I had a really bad kidney infection. I have also been bleeding in between periods. I have been so tired and don't have the energy to do anything anymore. I get so bloated that my clothes don't fit right. Could these be the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

few months back, I suffered from an excruciatingly painful kidney stone attack. My doctor told me that once you have one, there’s a good possibility that at some point you’ll have another. Is there anything I can do to prevent another agonizing episode?

A few years ago, I took up knitting and it’s become my favorite way to unwind at night. The only trouble is that I’ve started waking up in the middle of the night with a tingling sensation in the fingers of my left hand. If I shake my hand for a few moments, it usually goes away, but the sleep disturbances are starting to leave me exhausted and they seem to be happening more often. Could this be a sign of something serious?

Joie Davidow co-founded one of America’s biggest weekly papers and was the editor-in-chief of L.A. Style magazine. But beneath the fashion and glamour, Davidow was hiding a painful secret – a hand-sized birthmark, called a port wine stain, which covered much of her face.

Practicing stress management sounds like an easy and obvious tip, but when the process of making a baby goes slowly, it can be frustrating and stressful. While stress itself does not cause infertility, it can interfere with conception.

For rock star Ann Wilson, controlling her weight had been a lifelong, often disheartening challenge. But now Heart’s lead singer is thrilled by her weight loss, changing figure, and increased energy after undergoing a new laparoscopic surgical procedure called LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System.

I spend my days chasing after two toddlers, so occasional muscle pain is just par for the course. But about a month ago I began experiencing frequent and painful cramping in the backs of my legs, especially when I'm sitting. It's getting so bad that I can't even sit down to enjoy dinner with my family! What could this be, and what can I do about it?

After being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection about four months ago, my doctor prescribed antibiotics to clear it up. It worked well, but I’ve now developed these patches of little white lines and dots on my tongue and the insides of my cheeks. What is it, and what can I do about it?

Liposuction surgery is the removal of excess fat below the skin by a suction mechanism to create harmony with disproportionate body sites and enhance the overall body contour. It now represents the most common plastic surgery procedure performed.

Lorraine Bracco who plays a psychiatrist on the hit HBO series “The Sopranos” has partnered with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to launch an educational campaign called “Why Live with Depression?”™ This campaign is designed to encourage people with depression to seek treatment and provide them with information about depression.

I had to undergo a complete hysterectomy when I was only 34, and since then I've lost all sexual desire. I've heard there are things women can do when they experience loss of libido during natural menopause. Is there any help for women like me who go through premature menopause due to surgery?

It has long been known that hormone replacement therapy--HRT--can raise the good cholesterol and lower the bad cholesterol levels in menopausal women. Now researchers from Columbia University have shown in a large-scale clinical trial that low-dose HRT is also effective at managing cholesterol levels.

According to the journal Fertility and Sterility (June 2001), women considering estrogen replacement therapy should know that a new low dose combination of estrogen and progestin worked just as well as higher doses did, with fewer side effects.

I often have an uncomfortable tingling sensation between my knee and ankle that gets worse when I'm trying to fall asleep. Sometimes it's so overwhelming that I'm up half the night fidgeting! I haven't done anything to injure my leg, and I'm so tired of waking up exhausted. Is there anything I can do to make it through the night pain-free?

Lung cancer, caused primarily by cigarette smoking, continues to be the number one cause of cancer death, according to a recent report from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (6/01). Lung cancer now accounts for more than 28% of all cancer deaths--and most of these are preventable.

I am wondering if I could be experiencing premature menopause. I will be 31 years old this November. I have been experiencing hot flashes, insomnia (which I never had before), heart palpitations, and headaches. Could this be menopause?

I have been to two doctors now and they do not find that my hormone levels have changed. I have most of the symptoms of menopause, but not the hormone change. Is it true that I can be in a pre-menopause stage?

Bipolar disorder is a serious, chronic illness accompanied by disabling mood swings from high (manic) to low (depressed). While the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill reports that bipolar disorder afflicts over three million Americans, a new study estimates this number could be around seven million.

Former Taxi-alum turned health author Marilu Henner knows change can be difficult to embrace. With New Year’s health resolutions being made by the millions, Henner has several tips for success so you can enjoy better health.

Instead of worrying that Michael Phelps might break his Olympic record of seven gold medals, you might be surprised to learn that Mark Spitz has been rooting for Phelps to re-energize the sport of swimming. What really gives Spitz heartburn is acid reflux.

“St. Jude is the patron saint of hopeless causes. Many parents come to us having been given a death sentence for their child. But our doctors have at excelled at fulfilling our promise of hope -- so many of these parents ultimately end up saying, ‘You saved my child,’” says Marlo Thomas.

It was her size that led Mary Lou Retton to ignore a serious medical condition for decades. “I used to have to go to the bathroom constantly, sometimes more than 25 times a day,” she says now. “Unfortunately, I believed the myth that ‘little people have little bladders’ and just accepted it.

While the internet boasts phenomenal search engines and high speed information exchange capabilities which created the “information superhighway”, it has also developed into the “too much information highway”.

Whether you know Mel Gibson as the Sexiest Man Alive, Hollywood’s top leading man or as the Academy Award-winning director of Braveheart, there’s no doubt about his passion for everything he pursues. That includes his love of the water and his commitment to promoting ocean safety.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Other common skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the deadliest of the three skin cancers and occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of melanocytes.

“I believe that breast cancer in most people is a preventable disease and a big part of it, but not the whole thing, is hormone balance,” says Dr. Rebecca Glaser, breast cancer surgeon, Dayton Alliance Cancer Center Ohio. “

For 26 years, she’s played one of the ultimate survivors of daytime television – Nikki Newman on The Young and the Restless. In real life, actress Melody Thomas Scott has endured her own personal drama, dealing with the painful bladder condition, interstitial cystitis or IC.

After testing 40 allergy sufferers in a driving simulator, researchers found that the standard dose of the antihistamine in Benadryl and similar medicines had a greater effect than a few drinks on driving

Dizziness is fairly common. It may be called lightheadedness, feeling faint, being unsteady, losing balance, or feeling that you or the room is spinning (vertigo). The good news is that most causes of dizziness are not serious.

I am a 51 year old woman who has not had a period in over a year. I am not on HRT. Is it necessary for my husband and I to use birth control to be sure that I don't get pregnant? If not now, will there be a time when it is not necessary?

What was once only whispered about in ladies rooms is now cover story material in news rooms: hot flashes are news flashes as 4,000 American women enter menopause each day. But doesn’t it seem that every week there’s a new study on hormone replacement therapy—often with confusing results?

While menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive life, it does not mean the end of her sex life. Studies show that women on estrogen replacement notice the least change in their sexual interest and in their sexual satisfaction.

I recently visited my health care provider who checked my hormone levels. The results showed that I am menopausal. I have hot flashes, night sweats, etc. Sometimes these symptoms don't bother me much. The real disturbance for me is depression. I am seriously debating whether or not to take HRT but when I read about HRT on the net I get more depressed because a lot of it seems to be negative.

With record numbers of baby boomers now reaching mid-life, menopause has become the news hot flash of the 1990’s. Yet much of what we hear or read about menopause is alarmist, misleading or downright confusing, and focuses on estrogen replacement therapy.

I am a 32-year-old woman. For my past 3 periods I have been experiencing severe dizziness, headaches, and nausea. This has interfered with my work and home life greatly. What can this be and what can I do to feel better?

Microbicides are agents that inhibit the transmission of certain viruses. The microbicides of greatest interest now are vaginal agents to inhibit the sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS.

I have had problems with these headaches for many years now but last night while driving home the car behind us flashed its bright lights three times and I had one of the worst I have experienced in a long time. Why is it that the light hurt me so badly while my husband was not affected?

Just because migraine is common doesn’t mean that it’s normal. Despite the out-dated myths that migraine is “all in your head”, it is a real, legitimate, biologic syndrome that can be prevented, treated, and managed.

I have had a lifetime of migraines on a monthly basis. Now that I’ve gone into menopause, the migraines happen more and more frequently. I am 53 years of age, happily married, children living on their own and simply want to be healthy and full of life.

During her recent guest appearances on Vegas and Celebrity Poker Challenge, actress Mimi Rogers learned all about gambling. So when it came to correcting her near-sightedness, Rogers went ‘all in’ for a revolutionary new LASIK procedure.

Actress Mindy Sterling is best known for her hilarious turn as Frau in the Austin Powers movies. But it was Sterling’s healthy sense of humor that she says made all the difference in beating an even worse super villain – breast cancer.

On the hit NBC series ER, complete strangers rely on actress Ming-Na’s medical expertise to save their lives. But Ming-Na never imagined that a real health crisis – breast cancer – would strike so close to home.

I have fairly large breasts. I wear a size 38D bra but since I nursed my two children I've noticed that my breasts are really beginning to sag. Is this hereditary, and is there anything I can do, like exercises, vitamins, special bras, to prevent it?

Amelia Vega is the most beautiful woman in the world. But the reigning Miss Universe is less concerned with her striking looks than with striking a blow against the ugliness of the international AIDS epidemic.

“Breast and ovarian cancer awareness are the official causes of Miss USA,” Castillo says. “I am the fifth title holder to promote this cause. I’m working with the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund to help raise money and awareness.”

Breast cancer is one of the most feared diseases of all women. However, there is a lot of good news about breast cancer! When diagnosed and treated in its earliest stage, 97% of breast cancers can be cured.

“The most important and immediate message is that HIV/AIDS can kill you,” says Rita Moreno, who won an Oscar for her role in West Side Story. “And if it doesn’t kill you, it can kill someone else. If you’re having sex, you need to protect yourself and others.”

For 38 years Jerry Lewis has been single-mindedly focused on perfecting the art of compassion as the driving force behind the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon. And his “kids” are enjoying ever-healthier and longer lives because of it.

After winning Grammy’s and accolades galore, Naomi Judd is adored by millions of country music fans. But one ‘fan’ appreciates Judd more than most. Julia Spears credits the country superstar for being instrumental in her being cured of hepatitis C virus (HCV).

For as long as I can remember, I've had trouble breathing through my nose. It feels blocked, but when I blow it no mucus comes out. My doctor ruled out allergies. Any idea what this could be and what can I do about it?

Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration, weight loss, electrolyte imbalances, and esophagus or stomach inflammation. Prevention of these complications will keep the mother healthy so the fetus will have the best possible conditions in which to develop.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with an under-active thyroid and around the same time I began experiencing a dull pain in the back of my neck that coincided with my period. Sometimes it's so overwhelming I have to call in sick, but as soon as my period ends, so does the pain. Could my thyroid be causing this, and what can I do about it?

Cervical cancer is preventable, treatable and curable if detected in its earliest stages. Cervical cancer is also generally a very slow growing cancer. Prevention, detection and treatment are essential.

Caterer, florist, bridesmaids, mother-in-law...it’s enough to tie you in knots before you tie the knot. Wedding planning is notoriously stressful, but few brides realize that this stress may trigger physical problems like migraines.

Caterer, florist, bridesmaids, mother-in-law...it’s enough to tie you in knots before you tie the knot. Wedding planning is notoriously stressful, but few brides realize that this stress may trigger physical problems like migraines.

A few weeks ago, I noticed a tan patch of skin developing on the upper left side of my back. At first the area was only slightly darker in color, but now it's really itchy and sometimes it burns. What is it and how can I clear it up?

Twenty-two million American women have osteoporosis, but most don’t know it. The first sign of the disease--bone loss-- is painless; it causes no symptoms until a minor fall becomes a serious accident!

As Theresa on the Fox hit The OC, Navi Rawat found her character unexpectedly pregnant. In real life, Rawat is far from the troubled teen she portrays and feels that kids need the correct information to make the right choices in life.

Dara Torres has it all – talent, a bushel of Olympic swimming medals and stunning looks. But while Torres has smashed records and stood atop the pinnacle of competitive swimming, there is one event Torres hasn’t been able to win yet – getting pregnant.

Cardiovascular disease runs in my family, and since I keep hearing that omega-3 fats are good for the heart, I want to get more of them into my diet. The problem is, I'm allergic to fish. Does this mean I'm allergic to fish oil capsules too? Is there another, natural way to get omega-3s?

I am 34 years old. I have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis and have been put on Didrocal. My doctor told me that the bone density test result was very disturbing. Last year, my mother was diagnosed with osteoporosis and I had just asked for safety's sake to have my bone density tested. How does a 34-year-old woman, who is active and doesn't drink alcohol, get osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is called “the silent disease”--it rarely has symptoms. As a result, most patients go undiagnosed until they have advanced disease or a fracture. Advanced osteoporosis can cause tremendous pain and frequent fractures.

We know that fair-skinned, white women of eastern European background are at greatest risk for osteoporosis. While this is true, women of color often get the message that as a result, they are not at risk. . .which is simply not true.

Osteoporosis is a disease of pediatrics that shows up in geriatrics. The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to ensure that children, teenagers and young women get an adequate calcium intake. . .it’s like putting money in the bank.

For years the diagnosis of osteoporosis was overlooked because there weren’t many treatment options for women who couldn’t take estrogen. Estrogen replacement therapy remains the gold standard for osteoporosis prevention and treatment, although it’s not for everyone.

For years the diagnosis of osteoporosis was overlooked because there weren’t many treatment options for women who couldn’t take estrogen. Estrogen replacement therapy remains the gold standard for osteoporosis prevention and treatment, although it’s not for everyone.

Even though osteoporosis causes one fracture every 20 seconds, few people recognize how fractures can affect them. Many still don’t realize that breaking a bone as an adult could be a sign of osteoporosis.

I'm 38 years old and in fairly good shape, but recently I've been having major trouble catching my breath. It gets so bad that I have dizzy spells, and the only way I can really fill my lungs is by yawning repeatedly until the spinning stops. I go through this several times a day! I thought maybe I was hyperventilating and tried breathing into a paper bag, but it only made things worse. What could be wrong?

Ovarian cancer is the most serious cancer affecting women’s reproductive organs. Ovarian cancer ranks fifth as a cause of cancer deaths among women, and causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.

Too often, physicians forget to ask patients about bladder symptoms, such as bladder leakage, overactive bladder, urinary frequency, urgency, burning, pain or bleeding. The good news is that overactive bladder is treatable without diapers or surgery.

Like most women, exposure to cold air makes my nipples erect. But mine also become excruciatingly painful. The stinging, searing sensation is unbearable and can last up to an hour. Even air conditioning blasts will do it, so I don't get a break during the warmer weather. What can I do about this embarrassing and uncomfortable problem?

I was enjoying a casual dinner the other night, when all of a sudden my heart started racing. I broke out in a cold sweat and I was shaking, dizzy and short of breath. It was really scary - I thought I was having a heart attack!

I was diagnosed with pseudo tumor cerebri, B-12 deficiency, fybromyalgia, sleep apnea (have had surgery for this--LP3 with a tonsillectomy) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (by my current doctor's referral to an OBGYN. I hope maybe you could help me by showing me a route to follow so that I can get well and be

I am a 31-year-old whose mother began menopause at the age of 32. I had my period two weeks ago and am having it again. My mood swings are so crazy I thought I was going insane. How do I find a physician that works with young menopausal women?

About 15 to 20 years ago, I had my tubes tied. I am 40 years old now and experience problems sleeping as well as hot flashes from time to time. Is it possible for me to get pregnant after all this time?

About a month ago, I injured my neck and shoulders lifting heavy bundles at my job. Now, I'm constantly stiff and have been experiencing headaches on a daily basis. I've seen a chiropractor, but he hasn't helped. I don't want to have to go on disability. Is there anything else I can do?

As Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Phylicia Rashad was the imperturbable center of the Huxtable universe. But her father’s death, in 1983, unsettled her world, bringing home to her the harsh reality of diabetes-related heart disease.

With so much about women and heart disease in the news, can you believe that still only 4 out of 10 physicians even discuss heart disease with their female patients?! This finding was revealed in a recent survey from the American Heart Association (AHA).

Lately I’ve developed this strange craving for ice. I make iced drinks constantly, not because I’m thirsty but because I want to crunch on the cubes. I didn’t realize just how often I was doing it until my husband made a comment. Now I feel self-conscious whenever I chew on a few cubes, but it’s almost as if I can’t help myself. Why is this happening?

A few days ago I noticed a large, painful red bump at the end of my tailbone while I was showering. At first, it was slightly tender to the touch, but now it's becoming more painful when I sit. It's too big to be a pimple, and I haven't done anything to cause an injury. Any idea what this could be and how to get rid of it?

PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It is the acronym for the more severe form of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). Like PMS, PMDD occurs the week before the onset of menstruation and disappears a few days after.

Please help my daughter. She seems to have PMDD. She becomes incredibly violent one week before her period. She hits me and is extremely angry and violent. She'll be 15 in August and she had her first period at the age of 9 3/4.

I'm a raging lunatic before my period -- crying hysterically and fits of rage within minutes of each other. My suicidal and homicidal thoughts are what's most frightening. My doctor today mentioned I may have Bipolar, which just doesn't ring true with me. Your site has made me think it’s PMDD.Where can I go for the best treatment and evaluation for this disorder?

I stumbled across your website in search of answers to our 4 year-old daughter's chronic genital itching. We notice that the symptoms are at their worst after she's been swimming in a pool. Is it possible to be internally allergic to chlorine?

There has never been better news for pregnancy planning: maternal and fetal complications of pregnancy and childbirth are at an all time low, prenatal diagnostics and interventions have continued to improve, and the “information age” has offered unprecedented access to medically related input.

I was bulimic during my early twenties. It was so bad that I completely stopped menstruating for a year. Today I'm 29 years old, I'm no longer bulimic, and I get my period regularly. Will I be able to conceive?

The most common misperception is that POF (premature ovarian failure) just isn’t a big deal. Upon hearing of this condition, many who are not affected react with nonchalance saying, “I wish I could get out of having my periods 10 years earlier!”

Better called “premature ovarian failure” (a term many patients with this condition prefer) or “POF”, this is menopause which occurs for any reason before the age of 40 as a result of lost ovarian function.

I've learned from your website that I'm considered as having premature ovarian failure (POF). My symptoms began when I was 25-26 years old. My doctor tested my prolactin levels and not my FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) or LH (luteinizing hormone) levels. Could you tell me why? Should I request that FSH and LH levels be taken?

As a kindergarten teacher, talking (and sometimes shouting) is part of my job. Problem is, the week before my period I get incredibly hoarse, so much so that getting through each day is a real struggle. Could it really be related to my menstrual cycle?

Did you resolve to quit smoking only 6 weeks ago and are still lighting up? You might need a little more support. A review in the Journal of the American Medical Association (8/9/00) reports that combining 2 general types of treatment has the best chance of success: drug therapy combined with behavioral counseling.

Two weeks ago, I gave birth to my first child and she took to breastfeeding almost right away. The only problem is that after she’s done feeding, my nipples are practically white in color, plus they hurt so bad it brings tears to my eyes.

My hands always get really cold in winter, but lately, they feel icy even when I’m indoors, especially at work where they keep the temperature toasty warm. When I put gloves on or rub them together to warm them up, I get a pins and needles sensation. What’s going on?

My very best friend in the whole world is experiencing a large amount of bleeding in her stool and a large amount of bleeding from her rectum after she has used the restroom. She's only passing little pebbles though. I want to help her, but she doesn't want to talk about it.

I am 32 years old. I have two children, 13 and 7. I started my period while on the Pill. I always seem to have a lot of UTIs, since I started having sex with my fiancé, (we have been together for 2 years) and it seems like I get one every other month or so. I talked to the gynecologist about this when I had my physical. She said to drink more water, and always use the bathroom after intercourse, which I ALWAYS do. I don't understand why I keep getting them, and could it have something to do with

For about 10 years, tiny, red, pin prick-sized dots have been slowly appearing on my body. The dots seem to be showing up overnight. I find a new one almost every morning, and they're everywhere: my legs, torso, arms and even one on my lip. How can I stop this from spreading?

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed several small, reddish-brown bumps developing on the back of my leg. It's not razor burn. The bumps are bigger and firmer to the touch but they are starting to get itchy, but not painful like a rash. Should I be worried?

I am planning to have breast augmentation surgery in a few months, which I've been looking forward to for years. I am aware that the surgery has many potential side effects. Is there anything I can do to reduce them?

As the holidays approach, people across the country are looking forward to the twinkling lights, festive music, sweet treats and extra dose of family. But for many, these favorite holiday traditions can also bring on an unwelcome threat of headaches and for some, a debilitating migraine headache attack.

Hearing about risk factors for heart disease can be scary and frustrating. What should we do with this information? Here with some good news about risk factor reduction is Dr. Rose Marie Robertson, President of the American Health Association:

How would you suggest convincing someone to get help if they don't think they have a problem? My brother and his wife have been married for 1 1/2 years, and are 5 months pregnant. His wife is showing signs of PMS or PMDD.

I was just diagnosed with an ovarian cyst on my left ovary. I had a hysterectomy 8 months ago, but kept my ovaries. I'm only 31 years old. I have had pain for the last 8 months on my left side. I want the doctor to take my ovary out since I have had nothing but problems. Is that a wise decision?

A new food pyramid, based on the latest research, has been proposed to replace the United States Department of Agriculture Model. It comes out of the Harvard School of Public Health, where Dr. Walter Willett says the USDA pyramid’s first mistake is to restrict all fats.

Rheumatoid arthritis--a systemic disease in which immune cells attack and inflame the coverings around various joints. Like all autoimmune diseases, it is usually chronic and it affects up to four times as many women as men.

After a nine-year run as the beautiful angel Monica on Touched by an Angel, Roma Downey has witnessed her share of made-for-TV miracles. But her work with Operation Smile is as close to real heavenly intervention as you’ll ever get.

As first lady, Carter served as the honorary chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health that ultimately spearheaded the passage of the 1980 Mental Health Systems Act which dramatically increased funding for mental illnesses.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter knows that mental illness has long thrived in the shadows of stigma and shame. That’s why as part of her ongoing commitment to improving mental health, Carter is helping illuminate the truth about depression.

This PMDD is driving me crazy. The Prozac I am taking is not working anymore. It is very hard for me to control my anger and outbursts. Last week, I had to leave work early because I wasn't feeling good -- tired, short fuse, and hostile inside of myself. Not good when you work in the Emergency Room!

I spend my days chasing after two toddlers, so occasional muscle pain is just par for the course. But about a month ago I began experiencing frequent and painful cramping in the backs of my legs, especially when I'm sitting.

High cholesterol runs in my family, so last year my doctor suggested I get my levels checked every six months, just to be safe. In August they were normal, but when I went back a few weeks ago my reading was several points higher. I haven’t changed my diet since then. Does that mean it’s time to go on cholesterol-lowering drugs?

Migraine is much more than just a headache. It’s a chronic and recurrent throbbing pain on one side of the head, with or without other symptoms like sensitivity to light or sound, visual changes, and nausea or vomiting.

It seems as though infertility has been steadily increasing: and it is. Not just for first timers, either: secondary infertility refers to a couple in which one or both partners have previously conceived a child, but are unable to have another after a year of trying.

my teeth have been really sensitive to cold and to sugary foods. I switched to a toothpaste with strontium chloride, which I heard was good for sensitive teeth, but after just two days of using it, my lips have become chapped. What should I do, and will I ever eat ice cream again?

For the past 5 decades, the American media have closely followed every new Baby Boomer trend. Now with 4,000 women entering menopause per day, this topic is a popular one. Sadly, however, most women are still confused about where to get reliable medical information about menopause.

For the past 5 decades, the American media have closely followed every new Baby Boomer trend. Now with 4,000 women entering menopause per day, this topic is a popular one. Sadly, however, most women are still confused about where to get reliable medical information about menopause.

I'm 15 and my boyfriend and I are talking about having sex but I am really worried about getting pregnant. What are the chances of getting pregnant your first time while using protection and possibly birth control? Is using two condoms more effective?

NYPD Blue alum Sharon Lawrence portrayed a character that made a living determining right from wrong. Now Lawrence is helping people make a similar distinction when it comes to the health of the world’s coral reefs.

Many people think that clinical trials are only for patients who are very ill or affected by a rare disease. But just about any one could be in a study--from healthy individuals to those in all stages of various illnesses.

Lately I’ve been experiencing almost daily soreness and shooting pain in my right shoulder. Some days I can’t even sling my purse over my shoulder without getting a twinge. I can’t figure out what causes it. I’m a law clerk, so it’s not like I’m doing any heavy lifting. What could be wrong?

For women who are overweight having an apple shape, or weight on your upper abdomen present much greater risk from any degree of overweight. In other words, two women, who are about the same amount overweight, the one with the fat on the abdomen is at greater risk.

If your eyes or mouth become extremely dry and you have aches and pains in muscles and joints, schedule a visit to your doctor. Dr. Janine Smith of the National Eye Institute, says these symptoms may signal the onset of Sjogren’s Syndrome.

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense anxiety, fear and self-consciousness in social situations. Also known as social phobia, social anxiety disorder is one of the most under-diagnosed anxiety disorders.

It is a known medical fact that a woman's fertility -- the ability to get pregnant and carry that pregnancy to full term -- decreases as she ages. While today's infertility treatments are very successful in helping women of all ages get pregnant, it is most likely that women in their twenties and early thirties will achieve pregnancy, with or without treatment.

Spermicides are non-prescription and easily available in many different preparations (creams, foams, jellies, suppositories). Ideally, spermicides should be used with another method, such as condoms or diaphragms.

I'm having symptoms of pregnancy -- morning sickness, vomiting, tender breasts, and spotting every once in a while. This morning I started bleeding. I was wondering if that was a sign that something could be wrong?

I have no idea who to talk to. Within the last 30 days I have gained at least 30 pounds. I am taking Zyban for smoking (29 days of not smoking now) and it is making me crazy and over emotional. My husband thinks I am suffering from PMDD, which could be true. Read more about dealing with stressful life changes.

Last year my gynecologist gave me a prescription for ortho-tri-cyclen for PMS and an antibiotic for vaginitis. The yeast infection has been coming back over and over again. I was wondering if this could be happening because of the Ortho-Tri-Cyclen?

Ovarian cancer is commonly referred to as “the silent killer”. But a recent study confirms what ovarian cancer survivors have long known: that ovarian cancer DOES have symptoms, but they are frequently overlooked, dismissed, or ignored.

While I was watching television last week, I hopped up during the commercial break to grab a snack and was stopped dead by a searing pain in my chest. But then, about 40 seconds later, the pain just subsided and hasn't returned. I don't think it was a heart attack, but what else could it be?

Varicose veins run in my family, so when a few appeared on my legs I wasn’t exactly surprised. But then one of the veins started looking really swollen, plus it turned red and hurt to touch. Now it’s starting to burn, particularly when I get out of bed in the morning. Is this serious?

The first step is to identify and treat any possible underlying causes, such as stress, or underlying medical conditions, such as infections, thyroid problems,malignancies, obesity, or menopausal hot flashes.

I'm 17 years old and I just found out that I'm pregnant. I'm really scared and not ready. One of my friends informed me that if I take the birth control pill it would cause me to have a miscarriage. I was wondering if this was true?

DrDonnica.com focuses on women’s health issues, so we haven’t discussed prostate cancer. . .yet. But as we celebrate Fathers’ Day, we realize that the health of the men in our lives is often as important to us as our own.

Figure skating diva Tara Lipinski accepted her Olympic gold medal with total elation. But her joyous smile hid the pain caused by a damaged hip that later would require surgery – and put her at risk for a little known but potentially deadly condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

I just read an article about teriparatide, the new drug approved by the FDA for treating osteoporosis. I am in a study for osteoporosis and am injecting myself daily with a parathyroid hormone. I was wondering if this new drug is similar to what I am taking and how I could get more information about it.

According to the AHA, women currently taking hormone replacement therapy or HRT for the non-cardiac benefits do not need to stop. But women should not start taking hormones just because of concerns about preventing heart trouble, especially if they already have heart disease.

A cervical cap is a soft rubber cup with a round rim designed to cover the cervix more precisely than the diaphragm (it is thimble-shaped rather than dome-shaped), although it generally works the same way. How does it differ from the diaphragm?

The sponge, a disk-shaped polyurethane foam device containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9, is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. It acts as a barrier but also holds spermicide (nonoxynol-9) up against the cervix.

Medical research not only leads to discoveries that save lives and improve the quality of life, but that save money as well. For example, medical research led to the discovery that ulcers can be complicated by bacteria, a discovery that led to a simple cure with relatively inexpensive antibiotics. The cost savings? $600 million per year in treatment costs.

Recent research has shown a critical relationship between high blood pressure and strokes, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and vascular disease. Guest Expert Dervilla M. McCann, M.D.,F.A.C.C. talks about high blood pressure (hypertension), it's causes and what you can do to prevent it.

Except for abstinence, latex condoms are the most effective method to reduce the risk of infections causing AIDS, other HIV-related illnesses, and other STDs, although they do not provide protection against all STDs.

Have you had your cholesterol checked lately? According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly three times as many Americans should be taking cholesterol-lowering drugs as they are now to reduce their risk of heart disease.

One of my friends is bulimic and has unprotected sex, but she is on the birth control pill, so she thinks that that is okay. If she is bulimic, how long does it take for the pill’s hormones to be fully absorbed? Is she safe from getting pregnant?

My girlfriend and I have been seeing each other for over a year and she is taking Cyclessa (28-day cycle). We had sex 2 days before her scheduled period, and now she is a day late on her period. What is going on? Is it even possible that she's pregnant?

The fury whether silicone breast implants cause systemic disease has died down with abundant data showing no increase in systemic illness in women with silicone breast implants versus those without implants.

I recently had a pre-conception counseling session with my doctor. Everything looked good, she prescriped prenatals and the usual (I'm thinking of getting pregnant in the next year and I've never been pregnant before). Her nurse just called me and said that the doctor wants to do a thrombophilia panel of tests on me.

My wife just had a ultrasound to find out if she may be pregnant in her tubes. My question involves the fact that she had her tubes tied 6 years ago. What are the chances that she could be pregnant in her tubes compared to some other sort of illness?

Every holiday season we suggest some of the best health gifts you can give to the loved ones in your life. This year we got a little extra help from Santa himself -- or the next best thing -- Santa Clause 2 star Tim Allen.

“Mental illness is a biochemical disorder. It happens in the brain, a physical part of the body. The person can not help it when they have a mental illness or biochemical disorder. They need help, support and treatment from professionals in most cases.”

In addition to pregnancy prevention, “ultra” low-dose pills provide many other health benefits including decreased risk of several cancers: cancer of the lining of the uterus [endometrium], ovarian cancer, and colorectal cancers.

Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa; compulsive overeating is a problem as well. Dr. Nada Stotland talks about the physical effects of eating disorders and the importance of seeking treatment.

Too much to do, too little time...especially in the doctor’s office. The average doctor visit is only 7.5 minutes. Whatever you do to improve communication with your doctor will make better use of that time and improve your health care.

Consistent and open communication about treatment for depression and antidepressant side effects simply does not occur often enough—or thoroughly enough--between patients and their primary care doctors.

I have a 40-year-old friend who is having big problems with fibroids. Her doctor has given her 3 options: taking a drug that will imitate menopause and might reduce the fibroids, removing the fibroid that is causing the problem, or having a hysterectomy. Are there other options?

I've been experiencing vaginal dryness for several months and I've used everything I can think of to stay lubricated during sex with my husband -- KY jelly, fatty acid supplements, even saliva. All of those tricks work but only for a little while before I become dry again. Now sex is almost always painful, and afterwards I¹ve been noticing small abrasions on my genitals. How can I enjoy sex again?

Many women experience urinary incontinence for several years before they come forward and speak to their physicians. Some women consider it a part of aging but urinary incontinence is not considered normal at any age.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) too often go undiagnosed and untreated, even though they can have a long-term impact on sexual and reproductive health. Trichomoniasis – often referred to as “trich” – is an example of an STD that sexually active women and men need to know more about.

Nearly 15 million Americans are affected by Type II or adult-onset diabetes. For many type 2 diabetics, however, the good news is that blood sugar control can be improved without medication if dietary and exercise recommendations are followed.

Think about your activities and how they might be related to the onset of the rash. Were you out in the woods? Are deer ticks common in your area? If so, you may want to be aware of the “bull’s eye” rash typical of Lyme disease. Were you picking weeds and getting into poison ivy instead?

I have been experiencing a tightness or fullness on the upper left side of my abdomen, right under my ribcage, and when I sometimes move, it feels liquidy, almost like I have a small water balloon in there, and other times it feels gassy and is better when I release gas. Nobody I talk to seems to have ever heard of my symptoms and I am at my wits end. Please help me.

I am a thirty-year-old woman and have had lower abdominal swelling on my left side for three months. The swelling is increasing; it is noticeable because it protrudes over a scar I have from a kidney surgery I had when I was two. What further tests should I ask my doctor to conduct?

Most people can keep their mental capacities from declining just by doing simple things like reading the newspaper, playing chess, maintaining their social interactions, or attending lectures or performances. Physical exercise was also noted to improve blood supply to the brain and was important to maintain cognitive function.

This year, heart disease will kill 10 times as many women as breast cancer, but relatively few women practice heart healthy behaviors. This year, give a Valentine’s Day gift to your heart—make small behavioral changes that can have a big impact. Not only will your loved ones thank you, but your heart will beat longer and healthier.

When it comes to advice for her ‘girlfriends,’ best-selling author Vicki Iovine’s millions of readers know she’s telling it like it is. Now Iovine has put her pen to paper to help children and parents dealing with the frustrations and discomfort of eczema.

I've never had vision problems in the past, but recently I've noticed these odd zigzag shapes in the corner of my left eye. What's really strange is that they seem to move with my eyes until they slide out of sight and disappear, only to reappear days later. What are they, and should I be concerned?

The battle of the bulge affects more than half of all Americans, and celebrities are no exception. What is exceptional about actor Michael Badalucco of the hit show “The Practice” is his willingness to talk about it. We asked Michael to share with us what motivated him to take a more active role in managing his weight.

Sometimes you just need the right motivation in weight loss--not short term goals like fitting into a new outfit, but long-term goals like better health. Actor Michael Badalucco of the hit TV Show, “The Practice” shares what motivated him to take control of his weight challenges.

Patti LaBelle went into menopause 10 years ago. Having launched a new CD, a national concert tour, a new book, and a new television show all within one year, she’s thrown the phrase “Finished At Fifty” out the window. This is not your mothers’ menopause! But what is menopause?

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system turns on the self, producing antibodies. They include diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleraderma, type one diabetes, and autoimmune liver disease.

One in five women between the ages of 18 and 50 will develop fibroids. These are noncancerous tumors of the uterus or womb, but have been nicknamed “fireballs” by women with symptoms from heavy bleeding to severe pain requiring a hysterectomy.

Like most cancers, the most important risk factors for colon cancer are those we can’t change: age and a family history of colon polyps, or colon or rectal cancer. Other risk factors are changeable and there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Heart disease is the number one killer of American men AND women. Yet, surveys show that most women don’t consider heart disease an important health problem for them. The good news is that many heart attacks could be prevented by modifying risky behavior.

Heart disease is the number one killer of American men AND women. Yet, surveys show that most women don’t consider heart disease an important health problem for them. The good news is that many heart attacks could be prevented by modifying risky behavior.

Birth control pills are the most commonly used form of contraceptive in the United States, closely followed by sterilization. But what is there for women who want reversible contraception but can’t or don’t want to take the Pill?

Nearly 2.5 million Americans have alopecia areata, a condition in which hair loss occurs in round patches about the size of a coin. . .or even completely. It can occur in the scalp alone or throughout the body. More than half of affected patients are under 20, although it can occur at any age.

Asthma is a lung disease with airway narrowing or blockage from spasm or inflammation that is at least partially reversible either on its own or with treatment. The death rate from asthma is significantly higher in women than in men.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the bane of every computer user: it is a syndrome of hand numbness or tingling, weakness, loss of grip strength, hand pain, and the sense of the hands “falling asleep” upon waking.

Cervical Cancer is the only gynecologic cancer that can be prevented by regular screening with Pap smears. Yet, despite this, nearly 4,400 women will die from cervical cancer in the United States during 2001. Of these, more than half will not have had a Pap smear in at least 5 years.

Chlamydia is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection in the United States, yet most people can’t even pronounce it. Each year more than 3 million new cases develop, racking up an annual bill of $2.7 billion!

Chlamydia is often a silent disease -- most women show no symptoms for six months or longer. If it goes untreated, chlamydia can cause serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and if you’re pregnant, it may cause preterm delivery and other neonatal problems.

Cystitis is the most common form of bladder infection in women and is generally very uncomfortable. Classic signs of a bladder infection include burning with urination, a sense of urgency to void, and lower abdominal pressure. There may also be blood in the urine.

Normal menstruation is familiar to most women: it is the monthly result of the shedding of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) which is accompanied by a fairly predictable amount of vaginal bleeding for 3 to 5 days. Some women experience excessive menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia. This is technically defined as blood loss of more than 80mL during a menstrual cycle.

What is fibromyalgia? It’s a disease that’s not only difficult to say, it’s difficult to diagnose, and even more difficult to treat. But for the thousands of women living with this condition, it’s simply difficult to tolerate.

About 3% of women who become pregnant develop “temporary” or “gestational” diabetes because the pancreas (where insulin is produced) is unable to keep up with the increased demand. Dr. Michael Carson talks about gestational diabetes and what women with the condition can expect during pregnancy.

Hepatitis B is a blood-borne or sexually transmitted disease which can cause serious health problems. Even though a person infected with this virus may not show any signs of infection, they can unknowingly pass it on to others.

Lyme disease is a systemic infection from a deer-tick bite. It is increasingly common in the northeast, middle-Atlantic region, and upper mid-west. Anyone who passes through tick habitats such as meadows, woods and brushy areas is at risk.

Melanoma is the skin cancer that scares. It’s the type of skin cancer most likely to metastasize, and most likely to kill. The bad news is that it’s increasing: new cases have doubled in the past 20 years. Nearly 48,000 new cases are expected this year...And more than 7,000 people will die from it.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is of particular interest to women because it is much more common in women. It occurs when the mitral valve leaflets don’t close completely, then get slightly pulled into the atrium of the heart.

Researchers have found that the average time from the onset of multiple sclerosis to the occurrence of a slight limitation in the ability to walk was less than 1 year among patients in whom the disease was progressive from the start. But in patients who experienced the relapsing and remitting pattern of multiple sclerosis, the onset of significantly impaired walking took 11 years.

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease . . .yet. But doctors and researchers are optimistic. In the meantime, medical and surgical treatments can help control symptoms such as severe movement difficulties.

Are you a woman over 35 having changes in the length, flow or frequency of your period? Have you experienced a momentary flush of intense heat on your face and upper body, lasting from one to 3 minutes? Have you experienced interrupted sleep by night sweats?

Rosacea is a common skin disorder that affects one in 20 Americans—nearly 13 million people—but it is commonly mistaken for acne. This skin disorder is characterized by redness, flushing, swelling and blemishes around the face.

The importance of the Women’s Health Initiative is that it should help us finally learn whether or not taking hormones for post menopausal women really increases the risk for having breast cancer or decreases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

The thyroid is our “Gland Central”...its function is critical to many life functions. Yet thyroid disease affects nearly 13 million Americans!--and women are affected up to eight times more often than men.

My 22-year-old daughter stopped getting her period a year and a half ago. Her doctor says her ultrasound results are normal and that she needn't worry about it until she's ready to get pregnant. We're both still concerned. What could possibly be wrong?

Migraine affects approximately 24 million Americans. 75% of these sufferers are women, many of whom are not aware that there are several medications for their painful, disruptive, and sometimes debilitating headaches.

Valerie Sobel, a refugee from Hungary’s Communist era, established the Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation to honor the memory of her 19-year old son who died of a brain tumor in 1995. Within the year following the tragic loss of her son, she lost her mother, and, a year to the day after Andre’s death, her beloved husband Erwin took his own life. Through the subsequent years of crushing grief, Sobel sought to redirect her life.

High blood pressure directly kills more than 41,000 Americans per year and contributes to more than 200,000 additional deaths. People with high blood pressure can have as high as ten times the risk of stroke and five times the risk of a heart attack!

Consumers have become very savvy about reading food labels, especially when it comes to calories. Surprisingly, however, most consumers are not taking the time to read the labels or package inserts for their prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Why is this important?

Alcohol may be a great social lubricant, but it is also high in calories and saturated fats. If you’re looking for easy ways to trim holiday calories--and stress--start by trimming your alcohol consumption.

The prevalence of obesity among women has increased by almost 15 percent in the last decade. Guest Expert David Heber discusses effects of obesity in women and what women can do to prevent or treat obesity.

Women of color believe that they are not at risk for the consequences, such as osteoporosis and heart disease. But in fact, women of color after menopause have higher rates of heart disease, and if they do develop osteoporosis, they have more complications. Read more about Hormone Replacement Therapy in this article!

Relying on emergency inhalers instead of following a comprehensive treatment plan can be dangerous. Lungs can remain chronically inflamed. “Everybody has a treatment plan that is specific and suitable for them,” notes Wynonna Judd.

Over the past eight months I've noticed a creamy, yellow vaginal discharge. I don't really know how to bring it up with my doctor. It has a bad odor and it's embarrassing. What if it's serious? Should I be worried?